Engaging the World Through the Common: Simplicity vs. More



(Jesus said) “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. ~ Luke 12:32-34
Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. There was a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”). He sold a field that belonged to him, then brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. ~ Acts 4:32-37
The more you have, the more you are occupied. The less you have, the more free you are. ~ Mother Teresa

There is a tradition called "Christian Minimalism." I have a clergy friend who writes extensively about it in her blog. (found here: https://www.christianminimalism.com)

 It is completely counter-cultural to the way our world works, where we are told that more, more, and more will make us happier.

 I'll ask you straight out: have you found that to be true?

 I haven't. (and I'll admit outright that I have not adopted the minimalist life style. It's a goal, but I'm not there by any stretch!)

 These texts tells us three truths about the simplicity of Christian life.

 - That we give our hearts to the things we most value, and
- that when we have too many things, what is it that we truly value? How distracted do we get?
- And that when we share together our lives, our possessions...when we pare it down to that basics - relationship and love bloom.

 There have been all kinds of studies that have born this to be true: that "stuff" doesn't make us happy (and how too much can contribute to all kinds of environmental problems).

 Instead, where we find the holy - where we find God - is in simpler, relationship-based ways of life.

 I saw this to be true when I visited Tanzania. All of our guides and the church members we met led simple (sometimes bordering on poverty stricken) lives. Yet so many of them had a joy that was difficult to contain.

 This is not meant to lift up poverty as a preferred way of life. It isn't a preferred way of life, as the Acts text makes clear. But Jesus - who died penniless himself - wanted his followers to see where true joy was found. 

 Not in stuff. Not in treasures. Not in possessions.

 But in the simple. The pure. The generous.

 In relationship and simplicity.
Prayer: Lord may my heart lie with the treasures that only you provide. Amen





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